First Entry into the Wilderness, Encountering the Rat Plague

Morning light barely touched the sky as Lin Fan stepped out of his house, his younger sister Lin Xiaoyu still fast asleep.

He gently closed the door and turned to look eastward—the pale horizon was slowly tinged with gold and red. A new day had begun. No exams today; there was still a full day and night before tomorrow morning's official assessment.

But Lin Fan wasn't about to idle around.

"Minor Accomplishment Level boxing needs real combat to polish, and Origin Energy needs pressure to condense," he calculated in his mind. "More importantly... I need to earn some money."

Yesterday's medicine had nearly drained all his savings, and the rice jar at home was almost empty. Though getting into the academy would waive tuition and cover room and board, that was a month away. For now, his sister's medicine couldn't stop, and they had to eat.

The Wilderness was the fastest place to make money—if you had the strength to come back alive.

Jiangnan City was divided into an inner city and an outer city. The inner city held commercial and residential districts, protected by high walls and formations; the outer city was an industrial zone and buffer area. Beyond that lay the true "Wilderness"—demonic beasts rampant, danger at every turn.

Of course, the area within five li of the city walls was considered a "Safe Zone," patrolled regularly by the military. Only 1st Tier Demonic Beasts usually appeared there, making it the most common training ground for novice hunters and academy students.

That was Lin Fan's target.

He didn't head straight out of the city. First, he went to the "Mercenary Guild" branch in the outer city—a three-story stone building with a crossed-sword emblem hanging at the entrance. Fierce-looking martial artists came and went.

The main hall was noisy and chaotic, walls covered with wooden mission boards. The left side held official missions (issued by the military and Martial Artist Association), the right side private commissions. In the middle was the team recruitment area, where many temporary parties looked for members.

Lin Fan went straight to the mission boards.

[Cleanup Mission: Steel Tooth Rat nest discovered three kilometers northeast of the city wall. Estimated thirty to fifty rats. 10 Credit Points per kill upon presenting Demonic Core. Team recommended. Only Martial Trainees below 2nd Grade may accept. — Military Patrol Unit]

[Collection Mission: Gather Glow Grass, 5 Credit Points per plant. Growth area: two to four kilometers west of the city wall. — Hundred Herbs Hall]

[Escort Mission: Escort a merchant caravan to White Stone Town, seventy li away. Round trip three days. Compensation negotiable. — Liu Family Merchant House]

The Steel Tooth Rat mission was the most suitable. 1st Tier Demonic Beasts, relatively low danger, decent pay. The key was the large numbers—perfect for grinding proficiency.

Lin Fan walked to the recruitment area, and several gazes immediately fell on him. He was too young, dressed plainly—clearly a newcomer from the Slum District.

"Kid, first time here?" A bald, scar-faced man grinned. "Got all your fur grown in before taking a Wilderness mission?"

Laughter rippled around him.

Lin Fan ignored it, scanning the recruiting teams. Most required "at least three 1st Tier Demonic Beast kills" or "Wilderness experience"—none of which he had.

Finally, in a corner, he spotted a crude wooden sign:

[Temporary team recruiting. Cleanup Steel Tooth Rat nest. Need one bait position. Pay split by contribution. Come talk if you dare.]

The handwriting was crooked, clearly written in a hurry.

Bait position—the most dangerous role, responsible for drawing the demonic beasts' attention and creating openings for teammates. Usually filled by the weakest member or someone desperate for money.

Lin Fan walked over.

Behind the sign sat three people. In the middle was a scar-faced man in his thirties, three deep claw marks on his left cheek—likely from a demonic beast. On the left was a wiry young man with darting eyes, two short blades at his waist. On the right, a silent, burly man carrying a half-man-tall iron shield.

"Bait position?" Lin Fan asked.

Scarface looked him over. "How old? What realm? Killed any demonic beasts?"

"Sixteen, 1st Grade Martial Trainee, never killed one." Lin Fan answered honestly.

"Tch, a rookie." The wiry young man sneered. "Boss, sending a greenhorn like that is just asking for his death."

But Scarface waved a hand. "Never killed doesn't mean he can't. Kid, you know what a bait does?"

"Draw the beasts, create opportunities."

"And you still came?" Scarface stared into Lin Fan's eyes. "Steel Tooth Rats are fast. Their teeth can bite through ordinary iron. Bait has a thirty percent death rate, seventy percent injury rate. Even if you come back alive, you might lose an arm or a leg."

"I need the money," Lin Fan said calmly. "And I believe I can survive."

Scarface studied him for a few seconds, then suddenly grinned. "Got guts. Name's Zhao Tie. This is Skinny Monkey, and that's Iron Shield. Our team had five people originally. Lost two yesterday—one died in a rat's mouth, the other got scared shitless and quit. So we're short."

"Why pick me as bait?" Lin Fan asked. "Should be plenty willing to take the job."

"Because the others are either too slick—they'd slack off—or too cowardly—they'd run the moment things got real." Zhao Tie patted Lin Fan's shoulder. "Greenhorns like you, no experience, but you'll fight the hardest. And this time... we need someone who'll fight."

Lin Fan caught the undertone. "Something off about the mission?"

Zhao Tie lowered his voice. "The nest is half a kilometer farther than reported. The count might be over fifty too. Those military bastards always lowball the numbers so they don't scare off takers. But we need those Demonic Cores bad—Iron Shield's daughter is sick, needs money for medicine."

The shield-bearing man looked up, pleading in his eyes.

Lin Fan thought of his sister and nodded. "I'm in. How's the split?"

"By contribution. Bait gets a base 20%, kills are counted separately. Steel Tooth Rat Demonic Cores go for 15 points on the market, 10 from the military. We turn in the mission, get paid, then split." Zhao Tie said. "If you're afraid we'll screw you, you can leave now."

"No need. Let's go." Lin Fan said curtly.

A flicker of approval passed through Zhao Tie's eyes. "Alright, gear up. Meet at the West Gate in fifteen minutes. Bring your own weapon, medicine, and rations."

Lin Fan left the guild and went to a nearby general store to buy supplies: a roll of Hemostatic Bandage (5 points), a small bottle of disinfectant powder (8 points), three compressed rations (6 points). Then he went to a blacksmith's and rented a short blade—not bought, rented, 2 points a day, much cheaper than buying.

The blade was a foot and two inches long, forged from ordinary iron, the edge still fairly sharp. Lin Fan tested the feel—better reach than fists, suited for small, agile demonic beasts.

Ready, he arrived at the West Gate.

Zhao Tie and the others were already there, checking their gear. Skinny Monkey was wiping his short blades, Iron Shield adjusting his shield straps, and Zhao Tie was coating a Thick-backed Chopping Knife with some kind of black grease.

"What's that?" Lin Fan asked curiously.

"Skunk Grass juice mixed with rust." Zhao Tie said. "Steel Tooth Rats have a keen sense of smell and hate this stuff. Coating your weapon makes them hesitate for a split second. A split second can decide life or death."

He tossed a small jar to Lin Fan: "Smear it on the blade. Don't use too much—it stings."

Lin Fan did as told. The black grease gave off a pungent smell of rust and fishy grass.

"Let's move." Zhao Tie shouldered his chopping knife and strode out of the city gate first.

Passing through the last checkpoint and truly setting foot on the Wilderness, Lin Fan felt the air itself change.

The air inside the city was murky but safe. Here, it was fresh yet dangerous. The scent of vegetation was laced with faint traces of blood and rot—marks left by Demonic Beast activity.

The road beneath his feet shifted from stone to dirt, then to a path overgrown with weeds. The trees around them gradually thickened, sunlight filtering through leaves and branches into scattered patches of light.

Zhao Tie led the way, his steps steady and his gaze alert. Skinny Monkey prowled the flank of the formation, just like his namesake, constantly scrambling up treetops to scout the surroundings. Iron Shield brought up the rear, his shield always facing the direction most likely to harbor an enemy.

Lin Fan was placed in the middle—a position for newcomers, relatively safe.

"Watch your step. There might be traps or burrows." Zhao Tie said without turning back. "Steel Tooth Rats are good at digging. The ground near their nests is soft. If you step through and fall in, not even a god can save you."

Lin Fan looked down and, sure enough, noticed some patches of soil that were darker in color, as if they had been turned over.

After walking for about half an hour, Zhao Tie raised his hand to signal a halt.

"The target area is ahead." He pointed at a sparse patch of woods not far away. "See those mounds? Under each one is a rat hole. Connected together, they form a nest."

Lin Fan looked over. At the edge of the woods, a dozen or so raised mounds were scattered. The largest was waist-high, the smallest the size of a washbasin. No grass grew around them, and the ground was covered in claw marks.

"The numbers are off." Skinny Monkey slid down from a tree, his face grim. "There are five more mounds than when I scouted yesterday. And... listen."

Everyone held their breath and listened.

From deep in the woods came a dense rustling sound, like countless claws digging through dirt. Occasionally, sharp squeaks cut through, rising and falling in waves.

"They're gathering." Iron Shield said in a low voice. "Looks like... they're preparing to move or hunt."

Zhao Tie frowned. "Trouble. Steel Tooth Rats usually scatter. They only gather in large numbers under three circumstances: they've found a massive food source, their nest has been destroyed, or... a Rat King has been born."

"Rat King?" Lin Fan asked.

"Steel Tooth Rats are pack Demonic Beasts. Each group has fifty to a hundred. When the number exceeds a hundred, or they encounter a Special Opportunity, a 'Rat King' might be born." Zhao Tie explained. "A Rat King is at least second-tier, bigger, smarter, and can command the swarm to fight. If a Rat King really has been born, this mission is beyond us."

"Then what? Retreat?" Skinny Monkey asked.

Zhao Tie looked at Iron Shield. The Strongman's fists were clenched, his eyes full of conflict.

"I need the money." Iron Shield's voice was hoarse. "The doctor said Xiao Ling's illness won't hold out past three days. That medicine... costs five hundred points."

Five hundred Credit Points—the reward for fifty Steel Tooth Rat Demonic Cores. And if there was a Rat King, its core alone was worth at least a hundred points, plus several dozen ordinary rats...

"Great fortune rides on great risk." Zhao Tie gritted his teeth. "But the plan has to change. Lin Fan, are you still willing to be the Bait? The danger just doubled."

Lin Fan was silent for a moment.

His sister's pale face flashed through his mind. The empty rice jar at home. And tomorrow's exam, which might be rigged against him.

"What do I need to do?" he asked.

Zhao Tie pulled a packet wrapped in oil paper from his chest. Inside were a few dark red strips of dried meat, reeking of blood.

"This is Bait soaked in Demonic Beast blood. Steel Tooth Rats love it." He said. "Your job is to lure the swarm to our ambush point. See that clearing?"

He pointed to a relatively open area east of the woods, where a few large rocks provided good cover for an ambush.

"I'll spread Beast Repellent Powder there to form a safe circle. You lead the swarm to the edge of the circle. The three of us will attack from three directions, trying to kill as many as possible in one go. Once you're inside the circle, your job is to finish off any stragglers and keep watch for rats that slip through."

It sounded simple, but Lin Fan knew the key was in the "luring" process—he had to survive the chase of dozens, maybe hundreds, of Steel Tooth Rats and make it to the ambush point alive.

"The swarm is fast. You can't outrun them in a straight line." Skinny Monkey said, unusually serious. "Use a zigzag route. Use the trees and obstacles. Remember, Steel Tooth Rats aren't as agile at turning as you are, but don't let them flank you."

"Also, the Rat King might show up last, or it might start commanding right away." Zhao Tie added. "If you see one that's especially big with grayish fur, run straight for us immediately. Don't hesitate."

Lin Fan nodded and took the Bait pack.

"Say the word when you're ready." Zhao Tie patted his shoulder. "Remember, staying alive is the most important thing. If it's too much, abandon the mission. We won't blame you."

Lin Fan took a deep breath and gripped his short blade.

"Let's begin."

***

He walked toward the woods alone.

The closer he got to the mound area, the clearer the rustling became, and the stronger the stench of blood and filth. Lin Fan's heartbeat quickened, but his hands were steady—a reflex honed by countless hours of practice.

Thirty paces from the nearest mound, he stopped and tossed a piece of Bait meat over.

The meat landed beside the mound. The smell of blood spread.

Silence for three seconds.

Then, the mound exploded open!

Three gray-brown figures burst out, each the size of a house cat but leaner. Sharp snouts, jagged teeth, blood-red eyes, claws gleaming with a metallic sheen. They pounced on the meat and devoured it in an instant.

Then, six red eyes locked onto Lin Fan.

"Squeak!"

A piercing shriek rang out as three Steel Tooth Rats lunged at him like gray shadows!

Too fast!

Lin Fan's pupils contracted as his body instinctively leaped backward and to the side. The Minor Accomplishment Level footwork showed its effect—though it was only Basic Footwork, with a 20% speed boost, his movements were a cut above an ordinary 1st Grade Martial Trainee.

"Swish!"

He swung his short saber, not aiming for a direct clash, but slicing at the front paw of the nearest Steel Tooth Rat. He knew his saber technique was rusty; striking the torso might miss, but targeting the leg offered a larger target area.

"Shriek!"

The blade cut through, sending up a spray of blood. The Steel Tooth Rat yelped in pain, its pounce faltering slightly.

[Basic Saber Technique Proficiency +5] (First combat bonus)

[Combat Experience +1]

The panel flashed, but Lin Fan had no time to look. The other two Steel Tooth Rats were already upon him, their gaping jaws revealing dagger-like incisors aimed straight for his throat and chest!

Lin Fan leaned back, simultaneously throwing a left punch!

Minor Accomplishment Level Fist Technique, Collapse Force!

"Bam!"

His fist struck the left Steel Tooth Rat's flank. It didn't seem heavy, but the Collapse Force penetrated deep into its body. The rat's frame shuddered violently, its internal organs ruptured, and it spat bloody foam as it crumpled to the ground.

[Killed a first-tier Steel Tooth Rat, Fist Technique Proficiency +10, Origin Energy +3]

[Combat Experience +5]

The one on the right seized the chance to bite at Lin Fan's calf. He lifted his leg and kicked, sending the Steel Tooth Rat flying, but it left two deep gouges in his pants—ordinary cloth couldn't withstand those claws at all.

"Tch..." Lin Fan felt a searing pain in his calf, but he could still move.

The injured Steel Tooth Rat and two more that charged out from behind surrounded him, baring their teeth and growling low.

Lin Fan didn't linger to fight. He turned and ran—not toward the ambush point, but skirting the edge of the forest. He needed to lure out more rats.

Sure enough, the earlier fight and the scent of blood had stirred the entire nest.

Mounds of earth burst open one after another, gray shadows pouring out like a tide. Ten, twenty, thirty... Lin Fan had no time to count; he only heard the rustling behind him like a torrential rain, red eyes like a sea of stars.

He sprinted with all his might, pushing his footwork to the limit. But the Steel Tooth Rats were faster; the nearest three were almost at his heels.

Zigzag!

Lin Fan suddenly veered hard left, using a tree to block the pursuit. Two Steel Tooth Rats couldn't brake in time and crashed into each other, but more flanked him from both sides.

He grabbed a handful of Bait jerky and flung it in different directions.

The rat swarm faltered briefly—some pounced on the jerky, while others kept chasing. This bought him a moment to catch his breath.

"Still half the distance..." Lin Fan estimated the path to the ambush point.

Just then, an especially sharp screech rang out from deep within the nest.

All the Steel Tooth Rats froze, then turned in unison like an army, their crimson eyes all locking onto Lin Fan.

They stopped chasing chaotically and split into three groups: one charged head-on, while two flanked from the left and right—actual tactical coordination!

"The Rat King!" Lin Fan's heart tightened.

Without hesitation, he threw all the remaining Bait toward the flanks, then charged straight into the densest part of the rat swarm ahead!

This choice was unexpected—any normal person would try to avoid the front. But Lin Fan knew the flanking rats had already spread out; if they encircled him, it was over. The front had more numbers, but the formation was dense, making it easier to tear a hole through.

Saber in front, fist behind.

"Get out of my way!"

Lin Fan roared, slashing open a Steel Tooth Rat that lunged at him, then blasting a second one away with his fist. A third bit at his arm; he bent his elbow and struck hard, sending Collapse Force into its skull.

[Killed a first-tier Steel Tooth Rat, Fist Technique Proficiency +10]

[Killed a first-tier Steel Tooth Rat, Saber Technique Proficiency +8]

[Combat Experience +2]

Blood splattered, rat corpses flew. Lin Fan plunged into the swarm like a sharp blade, forcing a bloody path through sheer grit!

But he paid a price: his left arm was bitten, the wound deep enough to see bone; three claw marks raked across his back; and his right leg was slashed again.

The pain stoked his nerves, but what spurred him more was the frantic flood of proficiency notifications on the panel.

[Basic Fist Technique: Minor Accomplishment (1058/5000)]

[Basic Saber Technique: Beginner (187/100)]

[Basic Footwork: Proficient (632/1000)]

Combat—this was truly the fastest way to grow!

After breaking out of the encirclement, Lin Fan sprinted toward the ambush point without looking back. The rat swarm behind him gave relentless chase, their numbers now exceeding fifty, a dark, oppressive mass.

Fifty steps, thirty steps, ten steps...

He saw Zhao Tie and the other two hiding behind the rocks, already prepared.

"Into the circle!" Zhao Tie roared.

Lin Fan leaped, crossing the line drawn on the ground with white powder—Beast Repellent Powder, a scent abhorrent to demonic beasts.

The rat swarm screeched to a halt outside the circle, clawing at the ground in agitation, but dared not cross the line.

"Now!" Zhao Tie bellowed.

The three struck at once!

Zhao Tie's back-mounted cleaver swept out like a cyclone, one slash shattering two Steel Fang Rats. Skinny Monkey moved like a ghost, his short blade targeting only eyes and throats. Iron Shield charged with his shield raised, crashing into the swarm like a wall; under his shield bashes, the sound of shattering bones rang without end.

Lin Fan didn't rest. He turned and joined the fight.

He held the line at the circle's edge, focusing on Steel Fang Rats that tried to bypass the repellent or leap inside. His short blade and fists worked in tandem. Though his technique was rough, the power of his Minor Accomplishment Level boxing made up for it. Every punch carried Collapse Force; as long as it landed, the Steel Fang Rat was either dead or crippled.

[Kill... Proficiency +10...]

[Kill... Blade Technique +8...]

[Combat Experience...]

The notifications refreshed constantly. Lin Fan immersed himself in the thrill of rapid growth. Wounds bled, stamina drained, but his spirit grew only more feverish.

This was battle! This was the martial way!

The swarm's numbers dwindled fast. From over fifty to thirty, to twenty, to ten...

Just as everyone thought victory was near, a deafening shriek erupted from the direction of the nest!

The sound was piercing, rattling eardrums. The remaining Steel Fang Rats, as if pardoned, retreated and gathered together, prostrating themselves toward the nest.

"Fall back! It's the Rat King!" Zhao Tie's face changed drastically.

Lin Fan looked over. A mound of earth slowly bulged, then split open. A giant rat, the size of a wild dog, crawled out.

Its fur was mottled gray and black, its incisors like two curved blades, and its eyes flickered with cunning red light. Most striking was a tuft of white fur on its forehead, forming an eerie pattern.

A 2nd Tier Demonic Beast—the Steel Fang Rat King!

"Trouble." Skinny Monkey's voice went dry. "This bastard doesn't look easy to deal with."

The Rat King didn't attack immediately. Its scarlet eyes swept the battlefield, lingering a moment longer on Lin Fan—it remembered this human, who had killed the most of its kind.

Then it let out a series of short, rapid squeaks.

The remaining dozen Steel Fang Rats immediately shifted formation, spreading into a fan shape, vaguely semi-encircling the four.

"It's commanding them." Iron Shield gripped his shield tighter. "Smarter than we thought."

"We can't let it leave alive." Zhao Tie gritted his teeth. "Once a Rat King matures, it'll recruit Steel Fang Rats in droves and form a small-scale Beast Tide. Then this area will never know peace."

"How do we fight it?" Lin Fan asked.

"Iron Shield and I will hold the front. Skinny Monkey, find an opening and strike its vitals." Zhao Tie looked at Lin Fan. "You... can you still fight?"

Lin Fan checked his status: 42 Stamina remaining, 68 Origin Energy remaining, multiple wounds bleeding. But the fighting spirit in his eyes only burned brighter.

"I can."

"Good. You handle the minions—don't let the ordinary rats interfere with us." Zhao Tie took a deep breath. "Brothers, it's time to go all out. Iron Shield, your daughter's waiting for you to come home!"

The Strongman let out a low roar, slamming his shield heavily against the ground: "Kill!"

The four attacked first.

The Rat King's eyes flashed with human-like mockery. It waved a front claw, and the dozen Steel Fang Rats shot out like arrows, charging straight at the four!

The battle instantly reached a fever pitch.

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